MAC: Mines and Communities

Themes

Why China?

The world's most populated country has also become its most significant consumer of major metals and minerals.

However, when we started this special area of our website eight years ago, little was known outside China about its mineral-related policies or who implemented them. This was something we quickly tried to remedy. See: http://www.minesandcommunities.org/article.php?a=43

It soon became clear that Chinese companies were making significant acquisitions overseas; something that raised numerous questions about their - and the regime's - intentions. So, in 2005, we began identifying some of these concerns. See: http://www.minesandcommunities.org/article.php?a=82

As well as examining individual mining enterprises, we have also reported on the violation of human rights and environment both in China and in Tibet, and conditions for Chinese mineworkers at large.

MAC continues to add to this body of information; not least, articles which reflect a wide range of opinions about the future for Chinese mineral demand and mining practices, at home and abroad.

Almost every week, we hear of citizen and labour protests against specific extractive and other industrial projects. These are met with a range of official responses - both positive and repressive. And they elicit a variety of, often contradictory, policy statements, intended to allay the apprehensions and meet the demands of many millions of people.

One thing is sure: Chinese local communities, non-governmental organizations, trade unions and individual citizens are taking to the streets in increasing numbers, to make such demands.

Less certain is how central and regional authorities will deal with these over the coming months and years.